Explore the Stars
Glentanner Park is your home to explore the spectacular stars of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
The Mount Cook region's gold-rated skies are almost entirely free of light pollution, and draw visitors from all over the world. Enjoy a night time stroll from your Glentanner cabin or campsite and view glittering constellations from the quiet shores of Lake Pukaki. We like to say the area is one of the best stargazing sites on earth.
Pukaki Wine Cellar Stargazing Experience
DATEBy Arrangement
|
TIME8:30pm (April 1 - September 30)
10:00pm (December 1 - January 31)
9:30pm (February 1 - March 31)
|
LOCATION |
COST*$155 per adult
$77.50 per child (under 12)
|
Join us in the Pukaki Wine Cellar Observatory for a unique dark sky experience under the glittering stars of the southern hemisphere. Enjoy a drink in the wine cellar before our experienced astronomer takes you on a tour of the night sky with a high-powered laser pointer and our pier-mounted telescope. Learn more about the constellations and their mythologies, stars, star clusters, nebulae, planets, the Moon and more! We will also attach a camera to the back of the telescope to show you incredible views of some of the wonders of the cosmos on a big screen!
The Retreat and purpose-built Pukaki Observatory is perfectly located to explore one of the darkest, clearest skies in the world. This is a stellar experience and is a unique opportunity to stargaze in the world-famous Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
Includes: A glass of wine or tot of whisky. Shared group sessions, with a minimum charge of 2 guests to operate this experience.
Please note, this experience is weather dependent. We will contact you if the weather won’t allow this activity to go ahead, there is an alternative option for a reduced rate that can be offered if you would still like to experience the observatory and learn about the dark sky.
Big Sky Stargazing
Take a mesmerizing journey through the cosmos as you explore the wonders of New Zealand's night sky; home to planets, stars and a whole other world we only dream about. Astronomy guides will take you on a 90-minute tour of the night sky through high powered telescopes along with discussing incredible features visible to the naked eye.
Available on a clear night, the tour takes place close to the Hermitage hotel. Guests are shuttled to our base which is perfectly set up to enjoy the night sky. Here they will witness the darkness as it comes alive with the stars framed by the beautiful mountains of the Southern Alps.
Please note: the light of the Moon affects the viewing conditions and visibility of objects in the night sky. This is most significant on the few days on either side of the Full Moon phase. We recommend booking around the time of a New Moon if possible.
Departure Time
Winter: 7.30pm
Summer: 10.30pm & 12:30am
Departure Point
The Hermitage Hotel, Mount Cook Village (20 minute drive from our campsite)
Price
| Adult from $145.00. |
| Child from $85.00.
Children 8 - 14 years. Please note there is a minimum age of 8 for this trip. |
All prices are in New Zealand dollars (and are subject to change).
